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Rolling Stones songs: Sleep Tonight
You always watch the sun go down/ The same old shadows crawl over town…
Written by: Jagger/Richards Recorded: RPM Studios, NYC, USA, July 16-Aug. 17 & Sept. 10-Oct. 15 1985; Right Track Studios, NYC, USA, Nov. 15-Dec. 5 1985 Guest musicians: Tom Waits, Janis Pendarvis and Dolette McDonald (backing vocals) *Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012
The usually gritty and defiant Rolling Stones took an unexpected turn with Sleep Tonight on Dirty Work. Sung by Keith Richards, it marked his second lead vocal on the album—following Too Rude—and revealed a softer, more reflective side of the band’s legendary guitarist. Lines like “They robbed you of your dignity. They even steal your heart from me” shimmer with vulnerability, stripping away the swagger for something far more human.
The song began life as a piano-driven ballad Keith composed in the studio, and its gentle melody caught Ron Wood’s attention. Ronnie, usually on guitar, stepped in on drums to help bring the idea to life. Keith once admitted he thought the tune might’ve been subconsciously borrowed: “I had to wait for other people to convince me to go ahead with it… I was sure it was somebody else’s song!” he joked. But the result is purely Stones—with a twist of gospel soul and intimate sincerity.
Keith’s Gospel Goodbye on Dirty Work
Closing out the Dirty Work album, Sleep Tonight stands apart from the rest of the Rolling Stones’ 1986 output—not because of its power, but because of its fragile intimacy. This stripped-down ballad blends blues and gospel in equal measure, offering a more reflective, subdued Keith Richards than fans were used to. While the track doesn’t reach melodic heights, it leaves a haunting echo of sincerity that lingers long after the final chord.
Keith and Ronnie Wood were the only Stones in the room that night, juggling nearly all instrumental duties themselves. Ronnie took to the drums, while Keith layered guitar and vocals with the raw, unfiltered emotion of a man baring his soul. He played a Martin 00-21 acoustic in Nashville tuning—just as he once had on Wild Horses—alongside his blonde 1959 Telecaster, which shines through with a distinctive warmth. As for the piano, it’s still debated: some claim Tom Waits, others Chuck Leavell. Either way, it added a ghostly grace.
Keith Richards’ Quiet Storm: Grit, Groove, and Gospel Vibes
Keith Richards takes center stage on “Sleep Tonight,” not only singing lead but layering in a soulful blend of guitar, bass, and raw emotional honesty. While it might not rank among his strongest vocal performances, there’s an unpolished sincerity that makes it resonate. What truly elevates the track is the gospel-tinged backing—an unexpected chorus of voices including Tom Waits, Don Covay, Kirsty MacColl, Janice Pendarvis, and Dolette McDonald, each adding warmth and texture.
The highlight comes around the 2:18 mark, where Keith’s guitar solo shines with a rich, melodic depth. Played with that signature fluidity, his instrument speaks louder than words. It’s presumed he also handled the bass duties, rounding out the rhythm section in Charlie Watts’ absence.
Meanwhile, Ronnie Wood stepped behind the drum kit—a bold move. While he held his own on “Too Rude,” here his playing teeters on shaky ground. Still, considering he’s a guitarist, the effort is admirable—and maybe that rough edge was exactly the vibe Keith was chasing.
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